The government of Saskatchewan is endorsing the sanctions imposed by the federal government following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This as it lists ways including donation avenues that residents can take to alleviate the humanitarian concerns that have arisen since the conflict started last Thursday.
Officials say for anyone out of the country they should consider:
- Canadians in need of emergency consular assistance can contact the embassy by email at [email protected]
- At any time, Canadians can also contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre by phone at +1 613 996 8885 by email at [email protected] or by SMS at +1 613 686 3658.
As well, the Government of Canada is encouraging people to sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad, so that critical information and updates can be directly communicated to those individuals. Individuals can register at https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration.
Donations from the public in support of humanitarian efforts can be made to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress or through the Canadian Red Cross in which the Government of Canada will match donations made between February 24th and March 18th up to a maximum of $10 million.
The government notes that Ukrainian culture and traditions are deeply embedded in Saskatchewan, as about 15 per cent of residents trace all or part of their ancestry to Ukraine.
The province has offered the following supports:
- Donating $100,000 to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine
- Providing administrative support to the Saskatchewan-Ukraine Relations Advisory Committee (SURAC) through the government liaison and intergovernmental affairs
- Waiving long distance and text message charges from Canada to Ukraine for Sasktel customers, and roaming charges for those in Ukraine
- Prioritizing applications from Ukraine for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program
- Communicating with the federal government regarding Saskatchewan’s ability and willingness to accept refugees
- Working with post-secondary institutions to determine the impact on international students and potential supports
- Raising Ukraine’s flag, which will continue to fly indefinitely outside the Legislative Building
- Effective immediately, Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority will delist Russian products from its distribution centre and retail stores. Private retailers are encouraged to do the same.